17844, Mifflinburg, Pennsylvania COPD Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the COPD Score in 17844, Mifflinburg, Pennsylvania is 25 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 84.43 percent of the residents in 17844 has some form of health insurance. 32.56 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 66.08 percent of the residents have private health insurance, either through their employer or direct purchase. Military veterans should know that percent of the residents in the ZIP Code of 17844 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 2,648 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17844. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,769 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 2,349 health care providers accessible to residents in 17844, Mifflinburg, Pennsylvania.

## COPD Score Analysis: Mifflinburg, PA (ZIP Code 17844)

This analysis assesses the landscape of COPD care within Mifflinburg, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 17844), focusing on primary care physician availability, resource accessibility, and overall quality of care as it relates to managing Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). The goal is to provide an informed perspective on the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare infrastructure, enabling residents to make informed decisions about their health.

The foundation of effective COPD management rests upon the availability of accessible primary care physicians. Mifflinburg, being a relatively small community, likely experiences challenges common to rural areas. Physician-to-patient ratios are a critical metric. National averages paint a picture of significant variability; however, rural areas frequently demonstrate lower ratios, meaning fewer physicians are available to serve a larger population. This can translate into longer wait times for appointments, limited access to specialized care, and potentially, a less proactive approach to preventative care, all of which are detrimental to COPD patients.

Assessing the current physician-to-patient ratio in 17844 requires precise data. Publicly available information from sources like the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) can provide some insight, but the data may not be completely up-to-date. Local healthcare providers, such as Evangelical Community Hospital, and their affiliated clinics, are key players in the Mifflinburg area. Their patient rosters and staffing levels significantly influence the overall accessibility of primary care. A thorough investigation would involve contacting these facilities directly to gather data on physician numbers, patient demographics, and appointment scheduling practices.

Beyond the raw number of physicians, the quality of primary care is paramount. This includes the breadth of services offered and the integration of COPD-specific care protocols. Do local practices routinely screen for COPD risk factors, such as smoking history and exposure to environmental irritants? Are spirometry tests, essential for diagnosing and monitoring COPD, readily available? Do physicians actively participate in patient education about disease management, including medication adherence, pulmonary rehabilitation, and lifestyle modifications? These are vital components of high-quality COPD care.

Identifying standout practices in Mifflinburg requires a deeper dive into their operational models and patient outcomes. Practices that demonstrate a commitment to patient-centered care, proactive disease management, and strong patient-physician communication would be considered exemplary. This might involve reviewing patient testimonials, analyzing publicly available performance data (if available), and observing how effectively the practice integrates COPD management guidelines into its daily operations. Practices that foster a collaborative approach, involving respiratory therapists, pulmonologists (if available within a reasonable travel distance), and other specialists, are likely to provide superior care.

Telemedicine offers a potential solution to address some of the challenges associated with limited access to care, especially in rural settings. The adoption of telemedicine technologies, such as video consultations, remote monitoring, and virtual support groups, can significantly improve the quality of life for COPD patients. Telemedicine can facilitate regular check-ins with physicians, provide access to educational resources, and enable patients to manage their condition more effectively from the comfort of their homes. The extent to which Mifflinburg physicians have embraced telemedicine is a crucial factor in assessing the overall COPD care landscape.

Furthermore, the mental health of COPD patients is often overlooked, yet it is intrinsically linked to their physical well-being. COPD can lead to anxiety, depression, and social isolation, which can, in turn, exacerbate the disease and worsen patient outcomes. The availability of mental health resources, such as therapists, counselors, and support groups, is therefore a critical component of comprehensive COPD care. Assessing the mental health resources available in Mifflinburg requires an understanding of local mental health service providers, their capacity to serve COPD patients, and the integration of mental health services within the primary care setting.

The presence of pulmonary rehabilitation programs is another essential element. Pulmonary rehabilitation is a structured exercise and education program designed to improve the physical and emotional well-being of individuals with COPD. These programs can help patients improve their exercise capacity, reduce breathlessness, and enhance their overall quality of life. The availability of such programs in or near Mifflinburg, and their accessibility to patients, is a key indicator of the quality of COPD care.

Access to specialized care, such as pulmonologists, is also a critical factor. While primary care physicians are often the first point of contact for COPD patients, pulmonologists are specialists in lung diseases and can provide more advanced diagnostic and treatment options. The proximity of pulmonologists to Mifflinburg, and the ease with which patients can access their services, significantly impacts the overall quality of care. This includes the availability of advanced diagnostic tools, such as high-resolution CT scans, and access to specialized treatments, such as oxygen therapy and pulmonary rehabilitation.

The overall COPD score for Mifflinburg, PA (ZIP code 17844) is ultimately a reflection of the interplay of all these factors. It is a nuanced assessment that considers not only the availability of resources but also the quality of care provided, the integration of mental health services, and the adoption of innovative technologies like telemedicine. The score would ideally be derived from a comprehensive analysis, incorporating data from multiple sources, including healthcare providers, patient surveys, and publicly available information.

For a visual representation of the healthcare landscape in Mifflinburg, including physician locations, clinic locations, and resource availability, consider exploring CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can provide a powerful visual tool to understand the geographical distribution of healthcare resources and identify potential gaps in care.